Bonifay Elementary School ESE Teacher Wins Golden Apple Award

Bonifay - This week's Golden Apple Award winner teaches Exceptional Student Education for grades K-4th at Bonifay Elementary School. The parents who nominated Amber Dunn say she has been nothing short of a miracle worker in the life of their autistic son.

In Mrs. Dunn's ESE classroom, the focus is on what students can do, not what they can't. Gage Carter's parents say she has taught their autistic son to do things they never thought possible. "She has done a miracle with my son. He is talking more, his aggression is down because he is able to communicate," said his dad, Keith Carter.

Mrs. Dunn says having a son with physical disabilities herself has helped shaped her philosophy. "His disability just brought out the magnitude of his abilities. It's not a class of kids with disabilities, it's a class of kids with different abilities," said Mrs. Dunn. "She feels and treats and acts like every one of her kids is truly her child," said Bonifay Elementary Principal Rodd Jones.

Her teaching strategies go far beyond the classroom, helping parents understand some of the most effective ways to communicate and interact with their children. "We turn around and use it for everyday things like picking up his toys, making his bed, brushing his teeth," said Keith. "That is the greatest reward about teaching ESE is getting the parents that say "Thank you, we appreciate what you are doing." The greatest reward is seeing a student make those gains," said Mrs. Dunn.

Congratulations to Mrs. Amber Dunn, this week's Golden Apple Award winning teacher. "She is incredible, we really and truly love her to death," said Keith.

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